Enjoy Auckland Anniversary Day in the Rain or Shine
It’s often the way; the rain clouds arrive just as the long weekend does, so – with New Zealand weather patterns misbehaving of late – we’ve compiled a few ideas to help you celebrate Auckland, rain or shine.
30 January – HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, RUSSELL / AUCKLAND!
The public holiday for 1.5 million Aucklanders (or, a third of New Zealanders) commemorates the 1840 landing of William Hobson at Kororareka (later called
Russell) to declare himself New Zealand’s first Governor – a week before the
Treaty of Waitangi was signed across the Bay.
There’s a heap of
festivities happening in Auckland – including the busker festival – (we particularly hope the pillow fight busker will be there again this year), one of the world’s largest one-day sailing regattas and a seafood festival – yum!
SOAK UP SOME HISTORY
Although Aucklanders claim it as their day (typical!), January 30th actually belongs to Russell – New Zealand’s first capital and a hub of much activity over the next few weeks. An appropriately
‘highbrow’ birthday celebration takes place in
Pompallier Mission's
award-winning colonial garden. Bring along a picnic to
enjoy, wear fancy dress (previous years have
seen guests in blazers, boaters and parasols supplemented by enormous hats or
pirate outfits), and simply relax and enjoy these stunning
surroundings. Great family fun.
Read up on the intriguing
history of the Bay of Islands.
GET IN – OR ON – THE WATER
Auckland is the
City of Sails, so it’s no surprise that a huge fleet of vessels will attend the Auckland festivities. The
Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta attracts an impressive range of vessels including tall ships, gaff riggers, sloops, multi-hulls, dinghies, radio controlled boats, waka ama, perfectly-restored classic yachts, an armada of over 20 vintage tugboats and America’s Cup prototypes. This is a spectacle not to be missed. (Locals' hint: head to Devonport and take a picnic up
North Head for the best view.)
Submerge yourself in the healing waters of Auckland’s several
natural hot-water springs.
SIP & SUP
Aucklanders know how to surround themselves with the finer things in life, here’s a heads-up on the
wine trails of the region.
ALWAYS HAVE A 'PLAN B' IN YOUR POCKET
If you have an iPhone, download
our iPhone app! It’s perfect for if your sunny day plans have been thwarted by the rain and you need to find a Plan B. Find out why users have rated it 4.5 stars!
Download our Auckland WHAT'S ON guide now
What are your plans for the anniversary weekend?
